Kailua Kona Hawaii Travel Guide

Gulf Stream Florida

Kona, Hawaii is the home of one of the world's most active volcanoes, the highest sea mountain reaching 3, 3000 feet and beautiful black sand beaches. The heart of the Kona district is the lively Kailua Village where visitors will find some of Hawaii's most important historic landmarks. The village is full of opportunities for relaxation, adventure and sight-seeing. From exploring Kona's coffee industry, to snorkeling with dolphin off the shores, taking a deep sea fishing tour or leisurely sitting around a local Luau-spending vacation on Hawaii's Big Island...enjoying the island Village of Kailua makes for a retreat of a lifetime!

History/Geography

Kona, often referred to as the Big Island, Hawaii's mainland, spans approximately 60 miles along the volcano lined coast. Kona is not only the biggest but is also the youngest island in the chain of Islands, offering visitors a variety of unrivaled natural wonders to discover. Divided into districts of the north and the south within the state of Hawaii, Kailua is Kona's largest town within the entire state. The name Kona refers to the island's climate, meaning the dry side of the island. The Pacific’s northeasterly winds and moisture first hit the Hawaiian Island’s windward side then travel to the leeward side, Kona, resulting in dissipating moisture and its drier climate.  Kona is known, world-wide, for its premium coffee cultivated from the volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Captain James Cook first set foot on the island at Kealakekua Bay in 1778 where he was eventually killed. In 1819, the once sleepy fishing village of Kailua was the final resting place of King Kamehameha -now the current site of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort. The village of Kailua is now known as the tourism center for the Kona district, offering many of Hawaii's National Historic Landmarks.

 

 

Tourism

For travelers up for amazing views and adventure, a hike up Mauna Kea is a great choice. The summit peaks at 13,796 feet and provides a view of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna
Loa. History buffs enjoy visiting the Kailua's historic palace founded in 1838, the site where the Hawaiian monarchy resided. Another historic site, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park includes 1160-acres allowing exploration of early Hawaiian temples and over 23,000 lava rock carvings. Nature lovers take advantage of Kiholo Bay, offering the best in turtle watching and snorkeling and both Rainbow and Aka Aka Falls for breathtaking views of waterfalls surrounded by banyan trees and tropical flowers.  Shopping and dining along the Kailua Pier and strolling through Holualoa Village galleries samples an amazing taste of the culture and food of the area. At Rays on the Bay– the only oceanfront restaurant in the world with manta ray viewing- visitors can dine on fresh local seafood and farm-to-table cuisine- all with an amazing in-motion view of sea life. Last but not least, a Hawaiian vacation wouldn't be complete without experiencing one of the Luaus at Royal Kona Resort or the Island Breeze Luau on the shores of Kamakahonu Bay.   On the Big Island the opportunities are rich with culture, flavor and enjoyment just waiting to be discovered.

For more information visit Kona's Chamber of Commerce:http://www.kailuachamber.com/

 

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